Charleston’s historic charm and busy tourism scene make rideshare services like Uber and Lyft a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. But with more rideshare drivers on the road comes a higher risk of crashes, and determining who’s responsible in a rideshare accident can be far more complicated than a typical car wreck.

At Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC, we’ve seen how devastating these crashes can be for passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. Understanding the top causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Charleston can help you stay safe and know what to do if you’re injured.

Distracted Driving

Whether it’s checking the GPS, responding to app alerts, or messaging passengers, Uber and Lyft drivers are often pulled in multiple directions. Unfortunately, this type of multitasking while driving is a major cause of rideshare crashes. Even a few seconds of inattention can result in a serious rear-end or side-impact collision on Charleston’s busy downtown streets or congested highways like I-26.

Fatigue Behind the Wheel

Rideshare drivers frequently work long shifts, especially during peak times like evenings and weekends. Some even drive for both Uber and Lyft on the same day. Fatigue can impair reaction time, reduce focus, and increase the likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel—all of which endanger everyone on the road.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

To maximize earnings, some drivers may speed to fit in more rides. Others might weave in and out of traffic or make unsafe lane changes to reach passengers quickly. These actions can lead to collisions, especially in high-traffic areas like King Street, Meeting Street, or near the Charleston City Market.

Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

Unlike commercial drivers, Uber and Lyft operators aren’t required to undergo formal driver training. Inexperience with Charleston’s traffic patterns, construction zones, or tourist-heavy areas can increase the risk of errors, especially during rush hour or events like Spoleto Festival USA or the Cooper River Bridge Run.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Uber and Lyft drivers are responsible for maintaining their own vehicles. Unfortunately, not all drivers prioritize safety checks. Bald tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning lights can all contribute to avoidable accidents. In some cases, the rideshare company may share liability if it failed to properly screen or suspend a driver with a history of unsafe vehicle conditions.

What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Rideshare Crash

Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian injured by an Uber or Lyft, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Report the crash immediately and request medical attention if needed.
• Document the scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and rideshare app screenshots.
• Don’t assume Uber or Lyft’s insurance will cover you fully—these companies have layered insurance policies that can be difficult to navigate without legal guidance.

Call a Charleston Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, from drivers to companies to insurers, all pointing fingers to avoid blame. At Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC, our Charleston Uber and Lyft accident lawyers understand how to build strong cases that hold the right parties accountable. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call 843-727-6500 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we serve clients throughout the state.